Patriarchal Negotiation? The Impasse over the Decriminalization of Abortion in Rape Cases in Ecuador

Abstract

This article seeks to elucidate the meanings of the actions carried out by female assembly members of the Alianza País political movement, currently in the Ecuadorian government. To this end, I will examine an event that took to the extreme tensions between feminism and conservative positions within the political movement in power. This impasse was the parliamentary debate on the decriminalization of abortion in rape cases, within the framework of the enactment of a new Penal Code. It is not clear whether the feminist assembly members of the movement engaged in a patriarchal negotiation or simply submitted to the orders of President Rafael Correa. I attempt to illustrate a paradox: women have gained access to political representation, but have not managed to impose their arguments within this legislative sphere.